2022-16 IMPLEMENTING JUDGE ARBOUR’S REPORT ON SEXUAL OFFENCES IN THE MILITARY
“There is a high likelihood that some of its members are more at risk of harm, on a day-to-day basis, from their comrades than from the enemy.”
Whereas #1: Judge Arbour’s report, in the spring of 2022, of a Comprehensive Review of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, is the latest of hundreds of recommendations originating from external and internal reviewers in the past few years regarding the ongoing sexual offences, harassment, and abuse faced by women, the LGBTQ2+ community, and visible minorities within the Canadian Armed Forces; and
Whereas #2: The Canadian Armed Forces, subject to civilian control yet extraordinarily self-regulated, has been unwilling or unable to embrace the intent and vision that came from these external sources, choosing the letter over the spirit, often the appearance of implementation over its substance, thereby entrenching their ways of operating; and
Whereas #3: The sexual misconduct crisis in the Canadian Armed Forces is complex and subtle, combining the abuse of power and antiquated practices unsuited to a more diversified workplace, thus denying many of their members their proper place in the military; and
Whereas #4: While Minister Anand and Prime Minister Trudeau have said they agree with all 48 recommendations in Judge Arbour’s report, only 17 will be implemented right away, and the remaining 31 will go under review in order to determine their feasibility and the way forward; therefore be it
Resolved #1: That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy support for the immediate implementation of the 48 recommendations listed in Judge Arbour’s Comprehensive Report on the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, and be it further
Resolved #2: That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urge the Government of Canada to immediately report to Parliament and the Canadian People, in order to ensure accountability and transparency, on the implementation of the 17 recommendations in Judge Arbour’s Comprehensive Report on the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces that have been accepted by the government, and be it further
Resolved #3: That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urge the Government of Canada to report within the coming year on the progress on implementing the remaining 31 recommendations in Judge Arbour’s Report.